I have just finished reading the book, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. And when I say just finished, I literally mean it; I'm writing this post moments after reading the book, which was in itself done in record time.
Randy Pausch is a university professor who has much to live for - a beautiful wife, two young sons and a lovely daughter. As fate would have it, he's only months to live as a series of cancers wreak havoc on his physical but not his mental health.
For a man staring death in the face, I can only admire his courage, and his humour. My problems are but a speck of dust when compared to the fate that awaits him. In his book, he is exuberant about living, and about living a life that is meaningful. He buys a convertible, goes out on a final holiday with three of his buddies, and continually expresses his love and admiration for his children and for his wife.
As a means of communicating his thoughts as well as imparting insights, Randy conducts a lecture entitled The Last Lecture. It's available on the Internet for those who are unaware - http://www.thelastlecture.com/. For me,the most poignant part of the book was when he unveils a surprise birthday celebration for his wife at the lecture. She hugs him, then tells him "Please don't die."
In delivering the lecture and in writing the book, Randy is telling us all that we should value life more intensely; most of us tend to take it for granted. If you have been doing so,now is the time to reflect and make efforts in ensuring that we live a life we want.
This book has made a profound impact on me; may I therefore recommend that you read it. Just click on the book cover on this site.
Live life!
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." - Randy Pausch
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